153 Chapter 24 - The Pieces Are Moving (2)

As I executed the bow, a voice broke through from behind me.

"That's quite a stiff bow," came the observation.

Turning around, I spotted Mr. Leon making his way toward us. Clad in the same white military uniform as mine, his slightly longer hair gave him a disheveled appearance, and he seemed a tad sleepy, even yawning as he approached.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Leon," Princess Myrcella greeted, though her curtsey seemed a bit awkward compared to before. Or perhaps it was just my imagination.

"The pleasure is mine, Princess Myrcella," Mr. Leon responded, executing a fluid bow that contrasted sharply with my own stiff attempt. It was hard to believe that, like me, he had also dozed off during etiquette classes.

Mr. Leon's gaze swept across the area. "Seems like Hereon's a no-show," he observed.

"He mentioned he'd mull it over," I responded. "But there's a chance he might not be on board at all."